07 February, 2016

Nailed Triathlon Olympic

Swimming. Though, I trained for a month and improved considerably, still it is not as good as it should be. So, there is a lot of scope for improvement.

My cycle: It is not road bike but a mountain bike. Though I did 40 km in about 1.30 hour, I know for sure, if I have high end (carbon) road bike, my timing would improve much more.

Transition: wasted 15 minutes in transition. This time can be reduced to 1-2 minutes.

My strengths were:

Cycling, running, endurance, determination.

It was a good experience and wonderful learning affair.

I feel so ready for half iron man. That is 1900 metre swim, 90 km cycling and 21 km of run.

Fellow triathlete, Sachit Kochhar, very aptly wrote, "Triathlon is so much more than a race – it is a powerful, profound life experience that can help you unleash your unlimited potential to change your life in amazing ways, long after you cross the finish line.

I arrived at the starting line prepared, confident and full of zeal. Got ready to transform my dream of a Trilathlon into reality. Triathlon – where being a winner is as important as being able to finish it. I recall having a plethora of emotions ranging from excitement, doubt, solitude, misery, worry, elation and, of course, satisfaction. Many ups and downs were experienced along the journey of this day but I would not have had it any other way. The sport of triathlon is a daring sport no matter the distance. It brings out that quality that lives inside all of us that pushes us to succeed, that drives us to perform and that dares us to try something new.The volunteers were a class above all others in my opinion. Not just the transition area but throughout the entire race. They really tried to go above and beyond their call of duty on that day especially with the weather conditions.Who Dares Wins !!! Racing is hard and it is challenging. That’s why we do it !! As the old saying goes, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” No matter the race, whether it is a 5K or a full Ironman distance, racing is tough and as much as it matters to try to perform well, it matters MOST that you performed at all and got to the start line. There is a risk. You may not perform to the best of your ability and you may not beat your time goal. If you don’t try to dare yourself, how will you ever know your potential as an athlete? The fact that I dared myself to compete in this race was winning to me."

Receiving medal from Deepa Malik (born 30 September 1970), an Indian athlete. She is a paraplegic. She has won numerous accolades for her participation in various adventure sports. Whether it is swimming against the strong Yamuna current, or riding a special bike or even taking a shot at the Paralympic Games, she has done it all. She has won bronze medal in Women's Javelin Throw. She has got nominated in Limca Book of Records for her swimming records. She is associated with Himalayan Motorsports Association (H.M.A.) and Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (F.M.S.C.I.). She has done 8 days 1700 k.m. drive in minus degree temperatures. Even on an altitude of 18000 feet with oxygen shortage, she was able to sustain it all.

I started with swimming first.

Then was cycling

Then running

Quickly wearing helmet and goggles before mounting.

Highlight of the event were my friends who came to cheer me. There were volunteers cheering which kept me going. Readers, even if you do not participate in such events, you must go to cheer your friends and participants. It makes a difference. The participant might not have time to turn or stop to thank you enough, but he/she really feels it. It gives a lot of encouragement. The breath becomes better, the speed improves. I have no words to thank my friends enough. They have a special place in my heart forever. This medal is for them.